Everyone knows how difficult it is to catch a moment of calm with the newlyweds in the chaos every wedding seems to generate.
On the other hand, the engagement is a perfect occasion when you can get to know the couple and establish a level of comfort that allows you to tell their story in a captivating and unique way. Some handy tips for photographers on getting engagement photo sessions right:
Get to Know Each Other
You will want to deliver photos that tell the couple's love story, dreams, and aspirations romantically and memorably. Great photos can only happen when the couple feels comfortable posing in front of you and they understand what you are trying to get them to do. Before picking up your camera, you need to spend time with them to know how they gel with each other and their idea of a dream shoot. While you must build trust and respect, they should understand your shooting style.
Plan the Poses to Match Their Vibe
Once you become comfortable with the couple and vice versa, you will know what they want to get out of their engagement shoot. According to Digital Photography School, you should make a list of pre-planned poses and check them off as you complete them. You can get good results if you can tweak the pose to the specific personalities and wishes of the couple, but the planning will save you a lot of effort, says a leading Chicago engagement photographer.
Keep the Process Simple
Sticking to the essentials in terms of lenses and lighting equipment can make it simpler and faster to get the shots you want without the energy and freshness of the couple fading. You can start the session with some seated poses to make them more relaxed. When they have loosened up and become accustomed to the shoot, you can get them into more reflective and intimate poses to capture their connection. Finish the session with some funny and energetic stuff that will have them smiling, laughing, and enjoying the moment.
Dress to Suit the Location
You should never leave it to the couple to decide what to wear for the engagement photography session. Rather, you should discuss the situation and the ambiance of the location and mutually agree on what they should wear to make your photos look more sophisticated and cohesive. You should appreciate the need to select a few focal colors and clothing that suit the time of the year and archives the best effect in the location while keeping the couple comfortable and happy. You must choose a color palette that goes well with the backdrop rather than competing with it.
Conclusion
While you will undoubtedly be giving cues to the couple to hold hands, you should appreciate that they will also want you to hold theirs. Posing in front of a camera and looking romantic is not the easiest of things for people who are not film actors. You need to make it easy for them and give them the confidence that reflects in photographs they will like to see over and over again.